Difference between revisions of "Cult"
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*autocratic rule by a single charismatic leader | *autocratic rule by a single charismatic leader | ||
*extraordinary demands on converts (such as that they surrender all their property to the cult) and | *extraordinary demands on converts (such as that they surrender all their property to the cult) and | ||
| − | *a maniacal focus on proselytizing and winning new converts. | + | *a maniacal focus on proselytizing and winning new converts. {{fact}} |
There have been cults which have claimed to be [[Christian]], as well as cults which claim some other religious affiliation, or no affiliation at all. One notable example of a cult is the "Peoples Temple" operated by [[Jim Jones]] . Jones's insistence that all his true followers drink poisoned fruit punch led to the deaths of 913 of his converts at their enclave of [[Jonestown]] in [[Guyana]]. | There have been cults which have claimed to be [[Christian]], as well as cults which claim some other religious affiliation, or no affiliation at all. One notable example of a cult is the "Peoples Temple" operated by [[Jim Jones]] . Jones's insistence that all his true followers drink poisoned fruit punch led to the deaths of 913 of his converts at their enclave of [[Jonestown]] in [[Guyana]]. | ||
Revision as of 20:51, May 7, 2007
A cult is a negative term applied to a religion or community of belief that is regarded as illegitimate, heretical, or far outside mainstream beliefs. Thus, it is a statement of opinion; many groups consider themselves "sects," no group considers itself to be a "cult." Some cults have proven to be destructive, such as Jim Jones's group in the late 1970's in Guyana (see below).
Typical lists of "cult" characteristics given by their opponents include:
- recent origin
- autocratic rule by a single charismatic leader
- extraordinary demands on converts (such as that they surrender all their property to the cult) and
- a maniacal focus on proselytizing and winning new converts.[Citation Needed]
There have been cults which have claimed to be Christian, as well as cults which claim some other religious affiliation, or no affiliation at all. One notable example of a cult is the "Peoples Temple" operated by Jim Jones . Jones's insistence that all his true followers drink poisoned fruit punch led to the deaths of 913 of his converts at their enclave of Jonestown in Guyana.